Welcome to We Make Waves, a vibrant community bringing together local professionals in design, tech, and marketing. Our mission is to foster a collaborative exchange of ideas, build a supportive community, and break away from the limits of working only ‘across the border.’
Why?
Back when Rockpool was just one of many thoughts in our heads, we really wanted to make the most of the connections we have made over time with other like minded individuals in our industry. And often, we have the pleasure of working with. However it isn’t enough for us to just store all this talent in an email folder. Needs must, We Make Waves was born.
We envisioned a space where professionals find solace during challenging times, with future plans evolving organically from the community’s needs. Our focus is not on profit; any surplus goes in the pot, towards a drink in a pub or an ad aimed at the public, keeping the atmosphere casual and enjoyable. We all know how cheap hosting can be, so we aim to do this a few times a year.
The Forum
Why did we create a forum area on We Make Waves? It all boils down to fostering a thriving community. We hope the forum(s) provide a dynamic space for us all to engage in open discussions, share insights, and build meaningful connections.
There are just two forums start with, but Pros are free to add their own.
In the often solitary world of freelancing, a forum becomes a virtual venting area – a place to bounce ideas, seek advice, and find support during both the highs and lows of professional life. Our forum aims to create a network with a local touch, allowing diverse professionals to come together, collaborate, and learn from each other.
We hope the forum is more than just a place for transactional interactions; it’s a hub for fostering a genuine sense of community. Through shared experiences, collaborative projects, and the free exchange of ideas, our forum becomes the beating heart of a supportive network.
So, why a forum? Because we believe in the power of community, conversation, and collaboration.
What are the rules?
At the heart of our community are clear expectations. We ask members to use their manners, take a community lead, give more than they take, and consider others – ideally leading to collaborative work opportunities. From our end, we promise a well-managed website. However we don’t make any promises about extra revenue, additional work, or connections. But. We HOPE this happens.
It goes without saying, that if you are badly behaved, you will be expelled! Expelliarmus! PLEASE don’t make us do that!
SO, who can join?
Anyone freelancing in design, tech, or marketing. No large agencies. Micro enterprises (1-5 employees) are welcome.
£30 for the year? Why? For what?
A dynamic forum, a directory with direct client contact, transparent information on costs, covering website hosting and fees – with an aim for a drink or two from the ‘pot’.
Our annual fee is simply to cover costs – no hidden agendas. We encourage pros to contribute to our blogs, (emphasising quality over business spam). So, it is an introductory offer – just £30. This will give you an all important backlink, a chance for members to showcase your company and network within the industry.
We have also created a folder of digital assets for members to use as they please – for display on your website, social media, or any creative form you please. Or don’t! It is entirely up to you!
What is next?
We expect this to evolve organically, we want to adjust the need and requirements as and when it is required. We have a plan for stage two… we plan to ask what you would all like next!
As the site grows, we aim for a seamless integration – no ‘them and us,’ just a collective ‘we.’
What can we put on our listings?
Pros can showcase their bio, image, contact details, location (Kent/Sussex), LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and website links. There is a contact form on each listing for clients to contact you directly. You can add any services you offer, we have a huge list but we know it isn’t exhaustive! Tell us what is missing and we will add it in.
Oh! And…Our public listings directory is intentionally sorted at random, with flexibility for users to change the sorting criteria.
Anything else?
Please note, we manually add requests from pending, and listings are valid for 365 days. We’re starting with BACS to keep fees low, but may implement a gateway later, adjusting the annual cost accordingly.
Join us on We Make Waves, where (we hope) that collaboration and community thrive!
Our commitment is to empower individuals, facilitate collaboration, and nurture genuine connections within our community. Join us on We Make Waves, where our mission drives us to make a positive impact for our clients and one another in the world of design, tech, and marketing.